*pant pant* I can't believe this is 10 pages! I wrote 10 pages in 3 days...somewhere like that. Anyway, thank for your review Burakkurozu-Black Rose. Enjoy the story. I don't own Shugo Chara or Kobato's song. It belongs to Peach-Pit and CLAMP.

Wish Upon A Wing

Darkness in the Light

The water silently swirled around Zina's glass coffin so she slept. Her eyes closed showed off long lashes. Her jet-black hair was spread out. The light that shone down from above, reflecting the water's motion on her beautiful pearl-white dress. It had frills on the sleeves, bodice and skirts.

He didn't get marry… Thank goodness for Tsukiyomi.

"You Highness?" called Ebony from the edge of the pool.

Yes Ebony?

"Hinamori Amu and Tsukiyomi Ikuto had escaped. But the red dragon and the fire fox…are deceased. What's going to happen now?" Ebony asked.

Pearl hopped over to her friend side. There was a pause.

He'll be lying low.

Ebony took in the reply before giving another report, "The white fox had taken in the girl under his wings," she reported.

Good.

Ebony noticed Pearl's gaze at Zina.

"She looks beautiful in that dress, huh?" smiled Ebony.

Pearl nodded vigorously.

"I wonder where she got it from," wondered Ebony.

'I met the most enchanting girl at the ball we held last night. These parties are usually a complete bore, but her presence changed all that. As the king's son, the unfortunate reality is that most people are over polite and fawning towards me. But this girl was warm and real, and treated me like she did to everyone else. It was refreshing indeed. I do hope to see her again.'

Hydrin's journal entry was stuck on Amu's mind as she made her way to the palace. Red, orange, yellow and brown leaves danced in the autumn wind. She strained her mind to remember the next page that she read last night.

'I had the great fortune of bumping into that girl from the ball again today. She's the princess of another kingdom, and it really shows. Her intellect is matched only by the grace she displays, like a butterfly. To be honest, I'm quite taken with her and have started courting her.'

Amu came to a halt at the tall golden gates of the palace.

"State your name and purpose," ordered a guard.

Amu looked at him with her golden eyes.

"I'm Hinamori Amu," she declared, "I'm here to see Princess Mia."

The guard looked her over then allowed her to pass. The palace's doors opened. A man stood in the doorway. He had navy green hair and saffron yellow eyes. He wore a dark green uniform. He also had a monocle on his right eye.

The man bowed at her, "I'm Masanori," he said, "Follow me, Hinamori."

Masanori led Amu to the throne room. The floors were made of white marble and tall stone pillars towered over Amu. The two main colours were; gold and white unlike Hydrin's castle which was black and red. Masanori opened the throne room's door and stepped aside.

A girl with gold hair that passed her shoulders sat on the throne. She wore a white dress that had beads on the hem and sleeves. A gold tiara that shaped into a star sat on her head. The girl's green eyes sparkled in the light.

"Princess Mia," Amu muttered.

Amu had not forgotten Kaneko's story.

"Welcome Hinamori Amu," greeted Mia, "I assume you're here for your friends?"

Amu nodded, "Yes your Majesty," she replied.

Mia slipped off her throne and beckoned to her. "Follow me," she said.

Mia led her through long corridors and into a large room, a hall.

"Amu-chii!" screamed Yaya as she bolted to her pink-haired friend.

Yaya almost squeezed the life of Amu.

"Just like those three," muttered Mia which Amu had heard.

Is she talking about Rikka, Hikaru and Kaneko?

The friends gathered around Amu, giving her hugs and greetings. Finally they parted allowing Tadase to approach her.

He wrapped his arms around her, "I miss you so much," he whispered.

Amu blushed. "Me too," she said.

Ikuto winced as Kaneko applied ointment to his raw wrists.

"Do you always come to me when you don't want Amu to treat your wounds?" grumbled Kaneko.

"I'm sorry if I'm burdening you," Ikuto muttered.

Kaneko smiled when she finished. "It's alright," she reassured, "Rikka was a lot worse since she was so clumsy."

Ikuto stared at her. There was a sad look in her eyes.

"I heard Amu is in the palace," announced Kaneko.

Ikuto rubbed his wrist. "I see," he said, "Well, I'm going to check on her."

Kaneko looked up. "Be careful," she warned.

"And here's the royal gardens," said Tadase.

He was giving Amu a mini tour around the palace. The gardener must have been working hard since there was not a single autumn leaf on the perfecty-trimmed lawns.

Amu stared at the blooming beds. There were daisies, jasmines, lavenders, daffodils… and roses. Ryuu's warm smiling face flashed in her mind as he handed her the pink rose.

Amu touched her chest. Apart from her lock, she could feel Ryuu's necklace. Also underneath her jacket, Amu had pinned Kitsune's brooch.

"Are you alright Amu-chan?" asked Tadase.

Amu shook her head and smiled. "I'm fine," she replied.

If I ever see a rose or a flickering flame, I shall always think of you two, Ryuu… Kitsune.

"Come on Amu-chan," called Tadase, "It's time for dinner."

Amu gave the roses the last glance before following him in.

Ikuto was walking towards the palace when guards appeared in front of him. He stopped. The guards were armed.

"Tsukiyomi Ikuto?" inquired a guard.

"That's me," he replied.

The guards quickly surrounded him.

"You're coming with us," said the guard.

Ikuto looked around. There was no way out, the guards had positioned themselves so there was no gaps.

I could try to fight but I'm not fully healed yet…

He glared at them.

"Fine," he mumbled.

A guard stepped forward, with a capture chain in hand.

Mia was kind enough to allow Amu to stay, since Yaya persuaded her. The friends were thrilled that Amu was staying, especially Tadase and Amu was happy as well since her old friends are around her.

Amu now sat on the bed. She wore a simple white nightgown. In her hands was Hydrin's journal.

Time to continue…

Amu opened the book and started to read.

'Today is a day to celebrate! At long last, the girl I love has agreed to give me her hand in marriage. I must begin preparing for her arrival at once! I'll gladly change every fixture and fitting in the castle so she feels as ease.'

'I'm also commissioning a special dress to be made for her. She's going to look stunning in it. I just know it. Her smiling face still lingers in my mind when I went bend knee to her. My heart jumps in joy when I saw her amethyst-purple eyes sparkle with joy. Oh, how I can't wait.'

"Hmm…"

This must be the time when Hydrin proposal to her.

Amu re-read the entry.

The woman he loves has amethyst purple eyes. Utau has violet eyes while Chie has wisteria-purple eyes… that's all the people I know that has a certain shade of purple pupils.

Amu decided to read on but when she turned the page she was surprised to see a detailed map had been drawn on the pages. There was a trail that had been dotted on the map. Amu opened the other journal for reference.

'Sometimes, late at night, I see him in his study tracking the wings' course'.

"This must be Hydrin's research about the Tsubasas' course," muttered Amu. She flipped through the pages. Hydrin was quite skilled at tracking the wings' course and drawing the maps. Finally Amu found a page with handwriting.

'Oh, this wretched life of mine! The girl I love and to whom I was betrothed has abandoned me and fled the castle. Her flying black hair still lingers in my mind. I simply stood there by the window, watching her disappearing figure. Why would she leave? Did she not love me from the beginning?

'Either way, her betrayal cuts me to the core. I trusted her, and now I'm lost. Where do I go from here? I can't follow her… if she hated me that badly it's for the best. What's left for me? Only those wings can help…'

So she did tell Hydrin…

Amu stared at the words on the page

…that she was leaving.

Amu scanned at account again.

And he thought she hated him…that's so sad.

She closed the book since that was the last account written.

"It's so strange," muttered Amu as she turned off the lights, "To see Hydrin was once a good person."

She lay down. Amu could hear leaves being blown outside. She turned to the side of her bed. She remembered how Ikuto always sat there, looking after her. Amu turned to face the ceiling again.

"I wonder where Ikuto is," she whispered before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Soon every room's lights had been turned off, indicting that each friend had gone to sleep. But Princess Mia wasn't sleeping in her chamber. In fact, she was in the throne room.

She stared down at the figure that lay before her. Chains clatter together as Ikuto struggle against the guards but they held him down.

"Let go of me!" he demanded, "I didn't do anything wrong!"

Mia's green eyes narrowed. "Is that the true Tsukiyomi?" she asked.

"Yes!" he cried.

Mia shook her head, "Oh Tsukiyomi, it's like you're always lying to everyone," she remarked, "Think. Did you do anything wrong? Like, for example, murder?"

Ikuto stiffened.

"And betraying your kingdom," continued Mia, "So what are you doing here? Shedding more blood? Tearing more trust?"

"No!" Ikuto cried, "I heard Amu was here so I decided to check on her if she's alright!"

"Oh Hinamori Amu," said Mia, "Now that's another topic to think about. I've been watching you and it seems you've grown quite fond of her. Could it be you've taken a liking to her?"

Ikuto froze.

"You couldn't have forgotten the rules already, have you?" Mia asked.

Ikuto swallowed the lump in his throat.

"No. I haven't forgotten," he muttered, "I haven't fallen for her."

Mia smiled.

"Very well," she nodded, "If you say so," her smile then dropped, "But I can't forget the crimes you have done. So…," she stared at him with hard eyes, "…Tomorrow you shall be executed."

Amu stared at the food on the table.

T-This is breakfast?!

There were plates of freshly baked bread. A platter held various cut fruit. A silver bowl contained warm steaming soup, delicious looking muffins were displayed and there was a tower of pancakes. Tadase was spreading rich-golden butter on his bread.

"Aren't you going to eat?" he asked.

Amu snapped back to earth. "O-Of course!"

She served a bowl of soup for herself. At Hydrin's castle, the food wasn't as big in proportions since there were only about five people. Secretly, Amu missed the simple dishes that, Shigeru, Ikuto or herself made at home.

Kukai was devouring the food while Utau tried to lecture him about table manners.

Yaya was drowning her pancakes in maple syrup with Kairi panicking over her.

Rima was watching, embarrassed, as Nagi brushed off frost from her muffin. Apparently Rima had just discovered that her Power Element was ice.

Amu noticed Masayoshi sipping his cup of tea. A black eye-patch was over his right eye.

"How's your eye Masa?" asked Amu.

He placed his cup down and smiled, "It's fine," he replied, "I'm just getting used to seeing with one eye now."

"I'm very grateful Amu-chan," spoke Chie, "You saved his life."

Amu flushed, "Oh it was nothing," she said modestly.

According to chatty Yaya, Masayoshi and Chie also found new powers. Their powers come from the two celestial bodies of the night; the moon and stars.

Suddenly a butler (an actually human unlike Hydrin's) came up to Tadase and whispered something to his ear.

"What?!" Tadase hissed.

He quickly stood up causing the friends to fall silent.

"Tadase?" called Amu, "What's wrong?"

"The princess has called me to do something for her," he replied, "I'll be back."

He walked away, out of the dining room.

Amu turned to her friends. "Do you know what's going on?" she asked.

They shook their heads but Utau remained silent. Amu turned in the direction Tadase had walked to.

"I'm going to follow him," she announced and got up as well.

Ikuto was brought out into the courtyard. His hands were tied tightly in ropes. Grey clouds were rolling in and a chilling wind below from behind. Dried, dead leaves brushed past his feet. There was a rumble of thunder in the sky. The guard shoved his head onto a stump. They then bounded his feet in rope as well. The ropes rubbed against his skin.

So much for going to Kaneko to get them healed…

Ikuto's ears picked up the rustle of fabric. Mia stepped out of the palace. Her eyes had lost their sparkle instead they were hard and cold.

Ikuto remembered what Kaneko had once said about Mia: "Princess Mia can seem all nice and pretty but really she can be cold-hearted at the same time."

"Tsukiyomi Ikuto," called Mia, "Today you will be executed for all the terrible crimes you have committed; murder, betraying your kingdom and abandoning and killing of family."

Ikuto's hand twitched.

Voices screamed inside his mind:

"You killed her!"

"Go! Run!"

"My…sister…"

Suddenly the sound of footsteps and steel being dragged on cobblestone was heard. A man with blonde hair appeared around the corner, sword in hand; Tadase.

Ikuto stared at him, "You got him to kill me?" he asked.

"I decided to left off where we finished at the Chess Game," she smiled.

Tadase walked over to Ikuto, who had his head lying on the stump. Ikuto's neck was clearly exposed.

"Any last words?" Tadase asked as he lifted his sword above Ikuto.

Ikuto remained silent, staring at Tadase with his blue eyes.

Tadase's eyes widened for a second.

There isn't a slight bit of fear in those eyes or any pleading… Aren't you scared to die?

Taking a deep breath, Tadase swung the sword down. A cry of pain cracked the atmosphere just as thunder rumbled again.

The scream came from Amu. She had lost Tadase but had wondered into the courtyard. Amu's scream had caused Tadase to lose his aim so his sword had landed into the stump, just missing Ikuto's neck.

"Don't kill Ikuto!" she screamed.

Amu ran forward and flung herself protectively over Ikuto. Tears were flowing down from her eyes.

"Amu, don't you know he's a bad person?" Tadase asked.

"You're wrong!" Amu cried, "Ikuto's not a bad person!"

Ikuto looked at her in shock.

"When I was in Hydrin's castle," Amu continued, "Ikuto's was protecting me!"

Tadase stared at her.

"But...," he started.

"I owe my life to Ikuto! He's my guardian, the person who protects me!"

Amu then placed her head on Ikuto's, "So if you want to kill him, you have to kill me first!"

Tadase turned to Mia. She was staring at the two. Amu was holding Ikuto's head in her arms. Mia signalled to her guards. One guard stepped forward and brought out a dagger. He cut Ikuto's ropes. Amu let go off Ikuto and he straightened up.

"Why?" he muttered, "Why did you do that?"

Amu was about to say something when Mia spoke up.

"Guards, take him back to the dungeons," she said bluntly.

The guards quickly grabbed Ikuto and lead him away. Amu was about to run after him when Mia stepped in her way. Amu flinched when she saw those hard green eyes.

"No," she said, "Leave him."

Mia then walked away.

Kaneko's story echoed in her mind;

"No, We must leave them. We can't save everyone."

Tadase freed his sword then walked over to Amu. He held out his hand to her. She looked at him then took it. Tadase led her into the palace just as the first drops of rain fell onto the cobblestone.

"Amu-chii, what happened?" asked Yaya when she saw her friend. Amu turned to Tadase then back to Yaya.

"It's nothing," she replied.

"Amu-chan?" called Chie, "We just heard that Ikuto was brought into the palace and thrown into the dungeons."

Amu nodded, "Yes. I heard about it."

She turned to Nagi.

"Can I talk to you Nagi?" she asked.

Nagi nodded.

"Sure," he said, "We can take a walk while we're at it."

After getting telling Rima he'll be with Amu, Nagi walked with Amu through the long corridors.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Nagi inquired.

"Do you think Ikuto is a bad person?" Amu asked.

Nagi thought for a moment, "Well, the fact he's risking his life to protect you, no I don't think he's a bad person," replied Nagi.

"But you saw him at the Chess Game on Hydrin's side!" Amu pointed out.

Nagi nodded, "True," he said, "But I have a feeling he's got a reason. I mean every bad guy can't be born evil, right?"

Amu took Nagi's statement in and nodded. "You're right Nagi," she smiled.

He smiled back, "So you're feeling better?" he asked.

Amu vigorously nodded. "Thank you Nagi," she beamed, "Also your walk helped too."

Nagi bowed to her and walked off.

Amu looked at the dragon pendant around her neck. "You're walks were also inviting as well, Ryuu," she muttered.

During dinner, Amu took a bread roll and wrapped it with a napkin.

"I apologise for this morning," said Tadase.

Amu smiled at him, "It's alright," she replied.

"Princess Mia made me do it," sighed Tadase.

"Hey Kukai!" whined Yaya, "That's was the last pudding and it was mine!"

Kukai examined the pudding. "Nope, it doesn't have your name on it," he smirked.

Yaya faced him; her eyes had lost their cuteness.

"What to bet?" she said a creepy voice.

Kukai shrunk back. "I-I was only joking!" he cried.

Suddenly Yaya swiped the pudding and happily ate it; she was back to her normal self. A sweat drop appeared on everyone's head. Yaya looked at them with big cute brown eyes.

"Is there something you want?" she asked innocently.

Everyone flinched. "N-Nothing…," they replied.

After dinner Amu and Tadase decided to take a walk.

"So many things have happened so far," reflected Amu.

Tadase nodded in agreement. He walked Amu to her room.

Tadase took her hand and kissed it. "Good night," he smiled.

Amu slightly blushed. "Y-You too," she replied.

Once Tadase had gone, Amu turned and continued to walk around. She felt the bread roll that was safely tucked away in her dress pocket. She pushed open a pair of doors and found herself in the throne room. It was dark and moonlight shone through the tall windows to light the room. The only sound of Amu's footsteps as she made her way across the room.

I found a prison-like area in the throne room back at Hydrin's. Maybe it's the same here.

She walked up the little platform and peered through the draping curtains. There was a plain wooden door behind it.

"Found you," she whispered.

Amu opened it and went in.

Luckily she had come prepared. Amu held a lit candle in her hand as she descended the stone steps. Although she had light, Amu didn't really like venturing underneath the palace. The flickering flame from her candle made shadows dance on the stone wall. The air was stale and on top of that, all was quiet, deathly quiet. Her experience in the haunted house was starting to creep back.

There's nothing here… there's nothing here… no scary ghosts… no ugly gobins…just you.

Finally Amu reached the bottom of the stairs. She could see tall metal bars of the cells in the darkness.

"Ikuto?" she called, "Are you here?"

There was a rattle of chains.

"Amu?"

Amu walked to a certain cell. Ikuto sat on a pile of straw with cuffs around his wrists. He blinked in Amu's candlelight.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

Amu placed her candle on the floor and sat down.

"Here. It's for you," she smiled as she passed him the bread roll through the bars.

He stared at the bread, "…Thank you," he said.

He placed the bread beside him.

"Aren't you hungry?" Amu asked.

"I'll eat it later," he replied.

"It must be lonely being stuck here," remarked Amu.

Ikuto smiled, "If you're in this situation you'll probably mention scary as well," he teased.

Amu flushed, "I-I'm not scared!"

Ikuto laughed a sound that Amu hadn't heard for a while. There was silence for while.

"Hey," said Amu, "May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," Ikuto replied.

"Back in the Chess Game, Tadase said… that you… killed your mother but you told me she died from an illness," said Amu quietly, "Which one is true?"

Ikuto sighed. "Both," he said.

"Huh?!"

"When I was sitting beside my mother in the health centre, I…accidently took her soul," Ikuto replied.

"What do you mean?" asked Amu.

Ikuto looked at his hand. "It's one of the powers of the Negative Wing," he explained, "When a person is dying and their in pain, the Negative Wing would take their soul to end their pain."

"I-I was dying in pain," stated Amu, "Yet you didn't-"

Ikuto cut her off. "Because I don't want to," he replied.

"So what happened next?" Amu asked.

"People blamed me for her death," continued Ikuto, "Except for Utau and my father."

Amu suddenly reached out and placed her hand on Ikuto's. He stared at it.

"I bet your mother is still happy," she smiled, "That you relief her of her pain."

"I guess, you can say that…," he muttered.

"Do you think Onii-chan, Ryuu and Kitsune are happy?" asked Amu.

Ikuto flinched when he heard 'onii-chan'.

"I think so…," he mumbled.

"Your violin is still at my place, you know," said Amu deciding to change the subject in fear that Ikuto might be uncomfortable. Ikuto nodded.

"Remember the song I sang along with your violin?" smiled Amu.

Ikuto had to smile. "Of course," he replied, "Why don't you sing it again?"

Amu was happy to oblige.

Autumn lies upon the beach

In treetops' branches winter sleeps

Though this world is far from peace

In us all kindness is hidden deep

As night falls into twilight

Let's offer a prayer tonight

Ever softly

Let us greet tomorrow no matter what it brings

A distant voice beckons to me

Leading me to the place I intend to reach

It's warm and inviting

Singing and smiling its soft lullaby in the wind

I'll embrace both joy and sorrow

And keep moving forward on to tomorrow

Now we are protected

Strongly connected

With joined hands

Nothing can stop us

Ikuto had his eyes closed, savouring the sweet voice.

"Not bad," he smiled, "Not bad at all…"

Amu looked down at her candle. It was running out. She quickly got up.

"I have to go," she announced.

Ikuto looked up at her. "…I see," he said.

"Don't worry!" reassured Amu, "I'll come back tomorrow!"

She picked up her candle and left, taking the light with her. Darkness quickly fell on Ikuto. He listened to Amu's soft footsteps until they faded away. He looked at his hand. Amu's warmth still lingered…for a bit.

Suddenly there was a click.

Ikuto looked up, not surprised to see a hooded figure.

Hydrin's cold eyes peeked out, "I thought she'll never leave," he smirked.

Hydrin held out a metal key and fitted in into the lock. The cell's door swung open with a creak.

"Time to go," he announced.

Ikuto stood up. He looked back at the bread roll then disappeared.

Amu walked out of the door and gasped. The throne's room lights were on. The friends had gathered around.

"Amu-chan!" cried Tadase, "There you are!"

His ruby red eyes narrowed when he saw where Amu came out from.

"What were you doing in the dungeons?" he asked.

"I was checking on Ikuto," she replied bravely.

Tadase was taken back.

"Amu-chan, how many times do I have to tell you?" he said, "Stay away from Tsukiyomi Ikuto."

"Why?!" cried Amu, "He's not going to hurt me!"

"I'm only telling you to keep you safe!" Tadase replied.

"Ikuto's not a bad guy!" Amu argued.

"Yes he is!" shouted Tadase.

"Then give me proof!" demanded Amu.

Tadase hesitated for a bit, "He's got a dark aura," he replied.

"That's it?!" Amu cried, "That's all the proof?!"

"I don't want to tell you more!" snapped Tadase.

"What's so bad that you have to keep secrets from me?!" Amu snapped back.

Anger was flared in Tadase's eyes.

"HE KILLED YOUR BROTHER!"

Silence dropped like a rock. Tadase immediately clasped his hand over his mouth. The friends fidgeted nervously. Amu's eyes had widened and she was frozen like a stature.

"…What…did you…say?" her voice was merely a whisper.

Tadase hung his head in guilt.

I shouldn't have told her.

"…Ikuto…k-killed…O-Onii-chan?" Amu repeated, "…A-Are you…sure?"

Tears subconsciously ran down her face.

"Yes," said a voice.

The friends turned around and there was Mia standing in the doorway.

"We found evidence that Tsukiyomi Ikuto was presence when your brother died," explained Mia, "His was away from the Kingdom on the day Hinamori Shigeru was scheduled to arrive back. It seems Hydrin sent him out to kill Hinamori Shigeru."

Suddenly Amu turned and ran out of the door, in tears. Tadase was about to run after her when he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Utau. She shook her head at him. Tadase's shoulders dropped.

The palace doors flew open and out ran Amu. Rain poured down heavily. Raindrops merged with her tears. Amu sobbed as she ran. Images and voices of Shigeru echoed in her mind.

"Good morning Monster."

"Help! A monster is stalking me!"

"Isn't it obvious? Until I die."

Shigeru's dark haired head was visible standing in the kitchen or peering over the edge of a newspaper. His dark eyes would sparkle whenever he teases Amu. Amu continued to run blindly in the rain. Suddenly she tripped and landed in the muddy ground. She slowly picked herself up.

"Why?!" she cried, "Why is that when I finally trust Ikuto then my trust to him gets ripped apart?! Onii-chan! I miss you so much!"

She sobbed. Amu cried in the storm until it lifted to only a drizzle. A single leaf drifted down and landed on a puddle's surface. Then Amu heard footsteps approaching. Suddenly the rain around her stopped. She looked up. A single brown eye looked down at her. Masayoshi was standing over her, holding an umbrella.

"Masa?" she sniffed.

He smiled and held out his hand.

"Let's go in," he said gently, "We don't want you to catch a death of cold, would we?"

Amu sniffed again before taking Masayoshi's hand. He helped her up and led Amu inside.

A warm fire popped in the fireplace. Chie had helped Amu changed out of her wet dress and into a woollen one. Amu stared into the fire.

Kitsune…

She was sitting at a small table, in Masayoshi's room. There was a knock on the door.

"We're ready!" called Chie.

Masayoshi came in with a tray. He placed a teacup in front of Amu.

"Camomile tea," he said, "It'll help calm you."

"Thank you," smiled Amu as she held the warm cup in her hands.

Chie and Masayoshi took their seats at the table.

"It must be hard for you," Masayoshi sighed.

Amu sipped her tea.

"We didn't want to tell you because we didn't want to cause any pain to you," Chie explained softly.

"I understand," Amu replied, placing her cup down, "Everyone always looks out for me. I would do the same. I don't want to bring someone, anyone, pain."

Chie and Masayoshi smiled warmly at her. There another knock at the door. Masayoshi got up and opened it. A guilty-looking Tadase stood in the doorway.

"May I speak to Amu?" he asked solemnly.

Masayoshi and Chie exit the room.

Tadase got on his knees, "I apologise from the deepest depths of my heart," he said, "My anger had got too much and I didn't know what I was saying. So please, I beg you Amu-chan, accept this apology even if it means you'll hate me for all of eternity."

Amu chuckled softly, "I forgive you," she smiled, "And I don't hate you."

Tadase bit his lip. "I must admit," He continued, "I was slightly envious about Tsukiyomi Ikuto."

"Eh?" repeated Amu, "I-Ikuto and I are merely friends! I just meet him this year, Tadase!"

Tadase gave a sigh of relief and stood up. He bowed.

"Thank you so much," he said.

Suddenly Tadase leaned forward and kissed Amu on the cheek. Amu went red. Realising what he had done, Tadase immediately backed away.

"I'm so sorry!" he cried, "I don't know what just came over me!"

"I-It's okay!" Amu stammered.

"I-I'll see you tomorrow," Tadase mumbled before heading towards the door. His face was still red when he left. Amu placed her hand on her cheek.

First Ryuu…now Tadase…

Amu couldn't sleep. She lies on her bed staring at the ceiling. Sometimes she would roll over to her sides but sleep didn't find her.

Both Tadase's and Mia's words swirled in her mind: "He killed your brother!"

"It seems Hydrin sent him out to kill Hinamori Shigeru."

Amu sat up, "I can't sleep," she muttered.

Amu then turned to the bedside table where a new candle stood. She threw her covers aside and grabbed the candle. Amu quietly opens her door and peeked out.

All was quiet except for the soft pitter patter of rain. Moonlight lit the dark hallways. Amu stepped out and lit her candle. She then headed towards the throne room.

The marble floor was cool under her bare feet. She opened the wooden door and stepped in. The floor immediately changed from cool marble to hard and rough cobblestone. Amu didn't let her imagination get the hold of her this time. She hurried down the stairs.

I'll ask Ikuto why… why he…killed Onii-chan.

Amu reached the bottom of steps and hurried over to Ikuto's cell.

"Ikuto," she called, "There's something I'll to ask you."

Silence.

"Ikuto?" she called again.

No reply.

Amu held her candle higher and further. She gasped the cell was empty.

"He escaped," muttered Mia.

Amu, Tadase and she were in the dungeons. A guard came running down.

"You're right, your majesty," cried the guard, "We found one guard, patrolling at the back, dead!"

Mia narrowed her eyes, "So he escaped from the back."

Mia stood up.

"You two get some rest," she ordered gently, "I'll deal with this."

Amu and Tadase nodded before heading up.

Mia stared at the empty cell.

"Escaping," she whispered, "Just proved you're guilty."

The next morning, the friends were told that Ikuto had escaped.

"I wonder how he escaped," pondered Yaya.

"He probably picked the lock like those criminals in the movies!" Kukai grinned.

"Those are just in movies," Rima muttered.

Nagi turned to Amu; her eyes were filled with doubt.

Masanori came into the room, "The princess wants to see you," he announced.

The friends gave each others a look before following Masanori out. When they walked in, Mia was sitting on the throne with a crumple letter in hand. She had an angered expression on her face.

"What's the matter, your Majesty?" asked Utau.

Mia slammed the letter down on the arm rest.

"Hydrin has declared war with us," she replied.

There was a ripple of shock amongst the friends. Amu stared at Mia.

"A war?" echoed Kaneko.

"Since all of you have demonstrated your strength in the games," said Mia, "I'll like you to assist my army."

"I'll be needing you three assistance."

Amu gulped.

Just like Kaneko...

"Of course," replied Tadase, "Right, guys?"

Everyone nodded.

"I'll like to go as well," Amu announced.

Mia looked at her in surprise, so did Tadase.

"I know how to wield a sword so I can be of assistance," said Amu.

"Are you sure about this?" Mia asked, "It can be quite intimidating."

Amu bravely looked at her. "I've seen and experience lots of scary things before," she replied. (A/N: She's referring to her journey)

"Very well," Mia said.

"Are you sure about this?" Tadase asked worriedly.

They were in the courtyard. Amu fixed her long pink hair into a high ponytail with a long red ribbon. She was wearing a red skirt and a white shirt that had long, billowing sleeves. The lock hung around her neck.

"Yes," she replied. Amu looked down at her sword which was strapped on her hip.

Ikuto taught me how to use this sword. Now I using the same sword he gave to avenge Onii-chan...

Mia rode out on a white horse.

"Is everyone ready?" she asked.

The friends along with other soldiers nodded.

"Where is this war taking place?" Amu asked.

She was pretty certain about the location.

"In another dimension," Mia replied.

I knew it.

"Are you sure this isn't a trap?" Amu continued, "For example, a dimension that's destroying itself?"

Mia looked at her, "...No," she replied eventually.

Suddenly Masanori came out on a brown stallion.

"The portal's opening!" he announced, "Everyone get ready!"

Amu felt as if she was being stuck in by an approaching wave, but with much stronger force. When she opened her eyes, Amu found herself on a wide ground mass hovering in the air. The ground mass was larger than the palace's land space. In the distance, Amu could see a black line; Hydrin's army.

"Charge!" cried Mia.

Everyone obeyed.

Kukai and Utau took to the sky.

Kairi skilfully brought down four Akumas with two slashes of his swords. Yaya was happily skipping about, twirling around to dodge tackling Akumas.

"Isn't this so much fun~?" she cried.

Nagi and Rima were wielding their weapons, a spear and a whip, while shooting out jets of ice or water.

Chie brought out crescent-moon shaped shurikens (ninja stars) while Masayoshi brought out daggers. The two accurately threw the weapons which hit their targets.

Tadase was bringing down the enemies with his sword. Amu ran through the battlefield, occasionally striking down Akumas.

Where are you Ikuto?

SLASH!

A soldier fell to the ground. Ikuto straightened up. Suddenly he sensed something was approaching him, fast. Ikuto turned around only to be pinned onto the ground. Pink hair caused his eyes to widen.

"Is it true?!" demanded Amu, "Is it true that you killed Onii-chan?!"

Ikuto froze. She found out.

"...Yes," he replied.

Amu was shocked but that shock quickly was overcome by anger. She raised her sword above her.

"Do you have any last words?!" she cried.

Her hands trembled. Ikuto calmly looked at her. Amu was slightly taken back.

He's not afraid... to die?

"Well?!" she shouted.

"Your brother...," he muttered, "...is still alive."

It felt as if time had stopped.

What...?

Amu's grip loosened. Suddenly Ikuto grabbed his dagger and sat up. He quickly pinned Amu to the ground and thrust his dagger forward. She screamed.

The dagger landed in the space next to her head. Amu blinked. Ikuto then stood up and pointed in the area she was before. An arrow was sticking out of the ground.

"What did I teach you?" he asked, "Always be alert."

Ikuto turned to walk away.

"Wait!" Amu cried.

He stopped but didn't turn around.

"Why...why did you save me?" she asked, "We're enemies."

There was a pause.

"Even if we're enemies," Ikuto replied without turning around, "...I'm still your guardian."

He disappeared, leaving Amu. Suddenly rain fell.

Mia gasped, "We can't fight in the rain. It's too risky. Draw back!"

All the friends and remaining soldiers hurried to the portal. Soon they were back in the courtyard.

Tadase approached Amu. "Did you see Tsukiyomi?" he asked.

He knew Amu's plan.

Amu hesitated before replying, "No."

Kaneko leaned back and let a sigh.

"History repeats itself," she muttered.

Kaneko placed a silver chain with a water pendant on the desk.

"Did it work?" asked Kukoi.

"It's raining~!" squeaked Fang.

Kaneko nodded, "I made it rain at the dimension," she panted.

Kukoi leapt onto her lap and looked at her.

"You look exhausted," he said.

Kaneko nodded, "Causing an interference in another dimension takes a lot of energy," she weakly replied.

"Kaneko better have a lie down~" Fang squeaked.

Kukoi nodded, "You better listen to him."

Kaneko smiled, "Thank you."

Amu stared outside as it rained.

"Your brother…is still alive."

A wet leaf stuck onto the glass of the window pane.

"Are you telling the truth Ikuto?" she muttered.

Where would Onii-chan be then?

Amu thought for a moment.

If Onii-chan didn't die… then he would be injured.

She closed her eyes. The sound of rain filled the air.

Injured… hurt… wounds… healing… healing?! A healer!

Amu ran into her room and grabbed her jacket. She then raced out of her room and into the corridors. She nearly collided with Tadase.

"Excuse me!" she said politely.

"Amu-chan!" called Tadase, "Where are you going?!"

"I'm going out!" she replied.

The palace doors flew open and Amu ran into the rain, her jacket merely draped over her shoulders. Her shoes caused splashes in puddles.

Lulu! Lulu is a healer!

Amu soon was out of the palace and was running in the village. There were times when she slipped and nearly fall. Finally she came to a halt at a two-story house with a green tile roof. It was a brick house with flowers bed blooming outside.

Catching her breath, Amu walked towards the door. There was a sign reading 'close' but she pushed it open. It opened with a chime of bells. Amu was standing in a room with flowers arranged in different styles and patterns. There were also glass cabinets displaying all sorts of jewellery. Footsteps came down the wooden stairs and Lulu came in view.

"Amu?!" she cried.

Amu smiled. She was dripping wet. Lulu quickly got her a dry towel.

"What can I do for you?" she asked.

"I'll like to see my brother," Amu replied.

Lulu stared at her then smiled. "Come up," she beckoned.

Amu followed Lulu.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this," Lulu apologised.

"It's alright," replied Amu, "Besides I was away for a bit."

Lulu opened a door to a room. There on a bed, with his eyes closed, was Shigeru. There were bandages wrapped around his head.

Lulu gently shook him awake. "You have a visitor," she whispered.

Shigeru sat up. He didn't wear a shirt, showing that his chest was bounded in bandages as well.

"Amu?" he whispered. There were tears in Amu's eyes.

"Onii-chan!" she cried as she ran towards him and hugged him gently.

"Easy there Monster," Shigeru smiled.

Amu pulled away.

"H-How come you're not dead? What happened?" she asked.

"Well," began Shigeru, "I was about to fix the Veil when Tsukiyomi attacked me. But he didn't kill me; he didn't have the heart to."

Amu stared at him.

"Later Yuki came along," continued Shigeru, "Apparently Kaneko the witch sent him since she was suspicious about my 'death'. Yuki found me half-dead and brought me here, to Lulu."

Amu let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness for Yuki," she breathed.

"So," chuckled Shigeru, "What has the Monster been up to while I was away? Destroying any buildings?"

Amu laughed before replying, "Well… I got captured by Hydrin."

Shigeru froze. "Hydrin?" he repeated, "Hydrin the prince of darkness?"

Amu blinked. "Yes," she replied, "How do you know about him?"

Shigeru took a breath. "He's responsible for… for our parents' death."

"What?!" cried Amu, "But Mother and Fater died from an illness!"

She looked at her brother's expression. "Isn't that right, Onii-chan?" she whispered.

Shigeru shook his head. "I guess it's time to tell you," he sighed, "Amu, our parents didn't die from an illness. They were killed."

To be continued…

Sorry, not much of a cliffhanger... Question of chapter: What do you think about Mia now? (My aunty hates her since she nearly killed Ikuto, her favourite character) Thank for all your support my fellow readers! Please review.